By Dr. Grace Carroll
– This has been a powerful and inspiring time for the Kingmakers of Oakland/Akira’s Book Club Jegna Program. Despite national challenges targeting DEI, Black excellence, and community-rooted research, this year’s Jegna cohort—a dynamic team of two—is making an incredible impact.
Our Jegna team has poured their energy into supporting elementary students through mentorship, affirming music, and culturally grounded learning. They are not only guiding young minds but also continuing their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.
Among their recent accomplishments, our Jegna team submitted a powerful proposal to develop an early elementary curriculum rooted in cultural affirmation, completed a one-hour video highlighting their transformative trip to Panama, and are preparing to deliver a promotion speech for students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Their work is grounded in love, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of representation.
This summer, Akira’s Book Club—in partnership with The Village Project, Inc. in Seaside—will take middle school students, along with their families, on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ghana. This journey serves as the capstone of the Emanyatta Saturday School program. Last year, the Oakland Hiero Crew and Kingmakers welcomed Emanyatta students for a special Black History Month field trip. Such partnerships and collaborations are great examples of how we can truly pool resources and pull together to serve and educate our children.
The Jegna Program is a shining example of what happens when we lead with intention and community. These young leaders are building bridges, shaping culture, and proving that our children can thrive when supported by those who believe in their brilliance.
